Head: American heroes: remembering those who served
By Dick Scharf, Carolyn Littell and Anita Rosen
During World War II, more than 16 million Americans served in the armed forces. Today, the
median age of a WWII vet is 89.
One year ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated 1.7 million American WWII
veterans were alive; approximately 850 die every day.
Many of these veterans saw duty a few years later in the Korean War: The United States
provided over 300,000 of the 341,000 international soldiers aiding South Korean forces.
Approximately 3 million Americans served in the military in the Vietnam War; about half
saw combat in Vietnam. (Figures from wikipedia.org.)
Big Canoe and the surrounding community are home to many who joined the military to
support efforts from Normandy to Inchon, from Saigon to the Middle East. Theirs is a story of
fighting for country, dedication to the flag, commitment to the greater good and of sacrifice for
the unit.
World War II
Turn back the clock to 1943; picture 17-year-old Bennett Whipple in a pool hall in his
Georgia hometown. With two brothers in the military, he was a ready candidate for enlistment.
“An Air Corps sergeant sauntered up to our table,” said Whipple, “and he warned us if we did
not sign up, we would be drafted shortly and ‘in the trenches.’ ”
Whipple convinced two friends to take the exam with him for the Army Air Corps. With his
initial desire to become a pilot thwarted by a reduction in need, Whipple trained as a radio
operator-gunner. He left the Army two years later with the rank of corporal and a year of college
under his belt. The GI Bill helped him finish his college education.
Though originally motivated by adventure, Whipple found military service led to maturation,
discipline and focus … and his first taste of beer. He remembers especially the close friendships
he made, a big part of his wartime experience.
“I learned to put myself second to the greater good,” said Whipple. “Service taught me
tolerance, and I learned there is value in everybody.”
Lou Chester, while still attending high school, Lou worked as a part-time lab assistant at
Corning Glass Works. A co-worker’s husband in the New York National Guard was a role model
for Chester, who joined the Guard in 1943, attending drill and summer camp.
Having two cousins shot down while serving in the Air Corps, one of whom became a POW,
Chester made his decision.
“On my 18th birthday, the spring of 1944, I joined the Army Air Corps and became an
Aviation Cadet,” said Chester. He was sent for basic military training in Mississippi.
During classification, he tested for both bombardier and pilot training and went to basic flight
training in Florida, then on to Alabama and Georgia, but there were no flight training classes
available. Chester’s remaining active duty consisted of basic ground training.
In 1946, Chester returned home a corporal, and stayed in the reserves for five additional
years. He finished high school and went to college, using the GI Bill.
Chester learned orderliness, both physical and mental, in the military. He has passed these
lessons on to his grandchild: Take pride in your work and don’t take life for granted.
“I learned attitude is the determining factor for success and aptitude is secondary,” said
Chester. “I learned the benefit of making people feel good about something they can accomplish
and how to build from there.”
Wayman Moore joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, while a senior in high school, to stay with a
group of friends … who he never saw once they enlisted. Moore had two brothers serving in the
military: His older brother was killed in action in July 1944 in New Guinea and his other brother
received a battlefield commission in Normandy.
Moore went to Illinois, where it snowed and iced for the 10 weeks of boot camp. A troop train
took him to San Francisco and an ammunition ship to the Marianas. He landed in Okinawa in
1945.
As a gunners mate on the USS Sangay (AE10), Moore lived surrounded by explosives,
knowing his vessel was a target for suicide bombers.
In August 1945, Moore was in Saipan and saw the planes returning from the Hiroshima Abomb drop.
“That action undoubtedly saved millions of lives,” said Moore. “The Allies had seriously
underestimated the strength of the Japanese forces.”
Moore’s overseas service ended clearing mines in Sasebo, Japan. He returned home after 13
months abroad with the ranks of petty officer second class and gunners mate second class. He
finished high school and enrolled in college. Like Whipple and Chester, Moore used the GI Bill
to help complete his education.
“These were the two most important years in my life,” said Moore. “They changed the
direction of a boy from a small farming community. I’m glad I served.”
All three men, when asked “You’re a veteran, right?” responded with an emphatic “Yes!”
Whether or not their service was overseas, they take warranted pride in having served.
Korean War
At the end of World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel: United States forces
occupied the south, Soviets the north. The Korean War started June 25, 1950, when North
Korean forces invaded the south half of the country.
George Bickley made his decision to join the military during a high school assembly; a navy
officer offered room, board, tuition and $50 a month under the Holloway Plan. Bickley qualified
for four years of college, three summers of midshipman cruises and graduated an ensign in the
U.S. Navy in 1951.
“I wanted to be there,” said Bickley.
When he began the program, Bickley was required to give back 15 months; but President
Truman changed that to three years in 1951 – the height of the Korean War. Wanting duty on a
submarine, Bickley volunteered for the West Coast and saw military action.
His experience taught him integrity and punctuality, and, like most of the other veterans
interviewed, Bickley took advantage of the GI Bill, earning a master’s in business
administration.
“I learned to take orders before giving orders,” said Bickley. “And in my corporate career, I
could count on the guy who had military experience.”
Bickley served because it was a part of who he is: He was prepared to give up his life for his
country and needs no thanks for his service. He remained in active reserves for 20 years and
retired with the rank of captain.
In 1952, 22-year-old Rich Andersen was drafted. After completing 16 weeks infantry training,
he qualified for Officer Candidate School (OCS). After OCS, Andersen went to San Francisco
and then to Japan (March 1954), where he was in charge of equipment.
“After OCS,” said Andersen, “I thought my outfit was pretty sharp. But we were housed next to
a West Point company and I saw what sharp really is.”
Andersen’s service taught him respect for the military, especially the officers.
Andersen feels mandatory service should be required of high school graduates (the draft stopped
in 1972).
“If you enjoy the benefits of living in our country, you should be willing to serve,” said
Andersen.
Andersen retired as a Captain
Growing up poor in the hills of Virginia, Al Buckelew dropped out of high school to join the
army. The promise of “three hots and a cot” was a big pull; the shoes issued with the uniform
were also welcome.
Buckelew served with the 82nd Airborne, 1947-1950. He volunteered whenever the opportunity
presented itself, including Ranger training in 1950, graduating at 20.
“The real pride is when you join a unit and absorb its history,” said Buckelew. He learned selfdiscipline and leadership – to push beyond known limits – and to appreciate the military.
In November 1950, he went to Seoul, where he joined the 23rd Infantry, seeing action on both
sides of the line.
“The most important lesson I learned,” said Buckelew, “was how to stay alive.”
Buckelew was in North Korea, nine miles behind lines – an historical event accomplished only
twice. He admits thinking he would not see his 21st birthday.
“We were issued miserable boots with rubber bottoms and leather tops with a thick liner that left
us with frostbite after two days in minus-35 F temperatures,” said Buckelew.
Buckelew credits the military with providing opportunities not otherwise possible. With
assistance from the GI Bill, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a
master’s and Ph.D. in political science. He taught at North Georgia College & State University.
When he returned to the U.S., Buckelew was not prepared for the attitude he experienced: No
one seemed to care, bringing home the reason this war is often called the “Forgotten War.” Now,
if thanked for his service, Buckelew replies, “My pleasure.”
Buckelew retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1981 after 23 years active duty.
Vietnam War
The sounds of the war drums grew quieter for a period following the Korean Conflict. The
Soviet Union rattled its sabers now and then. The Berlin wall became a permanent landmark in
1961. “Hair” opened in San Francisco. The Cuban Missile Crises got our attention. President
John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Woodstock brought a new meaning to the poppy fields of the
North and the French starting having trouble at a little place called Dien Bien Phu, South
Vietnam. Almost everybody had a tie-dyed shirt..
Jim Bailey’s dad was a naval officer. He remembers watching Jack Webb play the lead role in
“DI” (Drill Instructor) and thought maybe the US Navy might make a great career. Little did he
realize that DI wasn’t just a movie…a Jack Webb look-a-like introduced him to the USMC up
close and personal.
“When you’re in it, you’ve go to react”, Bailey mused. “It held true in business later in my life
just as it did in the Corps. You learn to operate as a team; work together; grow stronger; and, get
more out of life than trying to muscle your way through it alone.”
He took away a key life lesson that applies to all of us: You are both responsible for, as well as
accountable for, your life and all those you touch in the process”
Jim Puhger recalls “I was a skinny bean pole in high school” and had to drink milk shakes and
eat hamburgers just to gain enough weight to qualify for enlistment in the US Marine Corps. His
initial chat with the USMC recruiter included only one promise…that of a hard time! So he
signed up for a four year enlistment just as President Kennedy was killed.
“I mean this is a great country and I thought I owed it something. My first five minutes at Parris
Island changed my life forever. I made my first adult decision: failure was not an option!”
Puhger cited that he was not an athlete in high school, but he got physically and psychologically
strong. “I can do it; I can do this…all of it”.
It made a real difference when later in life as Puhger sat on the bench as a judge. “People are
different. They have different challenges…different goals. But that’s life. You simply have to
get on with it.” He learned that we all need to work as a team; be fair; and, be accountable for
yourself and your mates.
“What ever you become is a direct result of your efforts…and NO is not an option!”
John Marshall was at Florida State University in 1958 and was a member of the USAF ROTC
program. At the end of his second year a couple of his friends convinced Marshall to join the USMC
Reserve unit. “I liked the discipline and the closeness Marine displayed for their comrades. Went to boot
camp at Parris Island and completed my basic training as a Corporal.”
He will never forget his first encounter with the Marine Drill Instructor. “It was suggested I wrap
my civilian clothes in a baggie. I complied and was instantly issued my first utility uniform
(fatigues in the Army). The DI came up to me and pulled my cover (cap) completely down to
touch my ears; the Navy terminology was thick as fleas on a hound dog; and I think “what in the
hell just happened to me?” I thought this was the Marine Corps.”
“Then we had a Naval Academy graduate join the cadre and announced to one of my buddies
“Your cap in unraveling. Get a new one.” “Are you kidding me”, Marshall thought. A Marine
says “Your cover is frayed. Survey it!” Again I thought, what the heck (or words to that effect) is
happening here?”
When asked, so you’re a veteran, right? Marshall and every other Marine all answered, “Right,
I’m a Marine!” It is clear that the loyalty, camaraderie and teamwork became parts of their very
beings. ”Come on,” they all said. “You cannot properly make your rack (bed) by yourself.” And
it all starts to fall together when you understand it is all about the team. And that applies to
nearly every scenario you can identify.
Bruce Geibel’s dad served in WW II as a doctor in the Philippines with the Navy Seabees. I was
at Clemson A&M (land grant college) later Clemson University in the USAF ROTC program
studying architecture. A Chief Petty Office in the Navy program and a young Lieutenant told me
how wonderful the Seabees were. So I enlisted in the USNR and joined the Seabee unit in
Greenville, SC.
Geibel goes to boot camp in Great Lakes. It is O-dark 30. The DI comes into the barracks
clanging two garbage can lids together and is shouting “Reveille girls, beauty sleep is over. Let’s
get with it. Fall in!”
So he comes to me and shouts “What’s that IP on your shirt?” Not knowing what an IP was, I
looked down at my shirt. He pops my chin up with his open hand. I still cannot figure it out and
look at the floor. Another pop on the chin. “Never look at the deck when I’m talking to you.
That’s how you get killed.” ….And I wonder how I got here.
So when asked, “What’s it mean to you that you are a veteran?” Geibel responds as follows” “In
my mind, a veteran is someone who is willing to put his or her life on the line for the country
without demanding any payback. It is who you are. It’s part of your fabric. It’s protecting the
things we all hold dear.”
Would you do it again? Geibel is asked. “”I graduated an architect; OCS opened up for me; and a
year later I am designing the Rest and Recreation Center on China Beach in South Vietnam
(remember the TV show). I thought, WOW! I really like this…26 years later I retired. You bet
I’d do it again.”
Lloyd Packard’s brothers had served in the Navy before him. “It was the only thing I could do.
Being the only one without a Navy hitch was simply not in the cards for me.” He went to Boot
Camp his junior year in High School; 60 boys from West Virginia and Pennsylvania and 60
Southern boys in the same unit.
Boys being boys, the testosterone got the best of them and the shouting started. At 2330, the DI
interrupts the “party” and demands “Get in your boots and skivvies, girls. We are going to the
grinder!” So much for partying thereafter!
Graduating first in his class, Packard goes off to a Polaris submarine. The first US Admiral
comes aboard and wants a “White Hat” (think about the navy utility hat) to be the Master of
Ceremonies. “OMG”, Packard recalls, “that meant ME”.
He remembers 11 years of marching in the Memorial Day parade starting as a Cub Scout. “I
thought of my brothers as heroes. I identified with them and what they did for me…for us. I had
to be part of it too.”
If he could give advice to a young Lloyd Packard, he would advise “Gain value from someone
who can give you the value of hindsight. The things we have are contingent on the sacrifice of
others….and I would do it again in a New York minute!”
David Howe received his draft notice in 1968 when his student deferment ended. “Do I want to
be drafted, or do I sign up for OCS?” Howe begins. Eventually he chooses to go through Supply
Officer Training with the Navy, is commissioned and ends up as “Chops or Porky” as his Navy
Destroyer shipmates called him.
“I learned to read the details”, Howe states as he recalls one very notable replenishment
conducted underway. “The Navy uses order quantities and the numbers are critical. Imagine his
surprise when 6000 pounds of sugar are lifted onto his ship instead of the 600 he was expecting.
“The chef had a field day with cookies and cakes for quite some time”, he giggles.
Like other supply officers running their ship’s business, Howe learned a sense of responsibility
and the need for personal integrity in everything you do. “Never cut corners; you only make it
impossible for the team to get out of the mess. The awesome power of the sea and the weather
are very humbling forces.”
Ray Smalley, another of Big Canoe’s Navy Supply Officers, attended the course in Athens,
Georgia, had graduated from college with a business degree when a couple of his fraternity
brothers encouraged him to look at becoming a Navy Supply Officer. “You run your own
business, but you don’t have to pony up the money to get it off the ground”.
“My Dad was a doctor in WW II and served in San Diego and later during the Korean Was
served in Seattle. Running a business without investing my own cash sounded appealing, so I
signed up for OCS making sure my timing got my Christmas holiday free.”
“It is amazing what gets done if you give people the responsibility and the authority to perform.
You can tell them what is to be done or how to do something, but not both. That proved valid
while in the Navy and then later when I led the recovery/rebuilding of the Wall Street
communication system after 9/11.”
“… do it again”, Smalley answers. “Holy Sh--! Are you kidding me? Re-commissioning a ship
as my first real job? Warehouses stacked full of stuff; civilians everywhere reporting to me;
trucks; jeeps; forklifts; and, I am in charge. Doesn’t get any better than that! Some other later
stuff I would change, but I got some really great experience.
Norm Hoechstetter dropped out of college and his draft number came right up. Amazing how
that happens. He joined the Army Reserves in Pittsburgh and did six months active duty and 5 ½
years in the active reserves. His first child was born during the Pueblo crises.
“My first parade was in Pittsburgh in 1966. There was lots of applause. I went to buy a pair of
shoes and the store clerk practically gave them to me for free. Two years later, people were
throwing tomatoes. I really felt disgusted.”
Hoechstetter learned discipline, punctuality and respect for different kinds and types of people.
“When you are thrown in with a diverse population, you must learn to get along. To do otherwise
makes no sense and you never get anything done.” He applied that lesson later in life, because
hiring a career military person was usually a good choice. “Normally they made good employees
and often natural (or if not, learned) leaders.”
Darryl Anderson was in college at Middle Tennessee State. During his first two years ROTC
was mandatory. “I had a great-grandfather in Civil War and some uncles who served – only
family military legacy. I chose to continue beyond the mandatory ROTC requirement, because I
liked it. I graduated as a DMG (Distinguished Military Graduate) and already had a pilot’s
license as part of the ROTC program.”
When asked “you’re a veteran, right?” Anderson replies,” I grew up in South which is more
conservative than Norm’s experience in Pittsburgh and the treatment of vets was much better.
First time landed 1966, second time 1969 – no protesters. Yes, I am and proud of it. It really
means a lot to be thanked for your service.”
Anderson would do it again. “Those 22 years were the best of my life. I, unfortunately missed
two important years in my kids’ lives, but it was part of my sacrifice. I loved my military career
and did exciting things not possible otherwise. It really expanded my life.”
Phil Anderson’s father was a career navy officer who influenced him to look hard at navy. His
high school football coach was VMI graduate who was also a great influence. Anderson chose
VMI where either Army or Air Force ROTC was mandatory. He chose Army; 10 days before
graduation he was accepted in law school. Instead of law school, Anderson wanted to get into
something meaningful and decided to go on active duty with the Army.
He credits the Army with four important life lessons: 1. Follow the good examples of people
around you; 2. Struggle between family and job – (he was advised by superior officer that the
best way to care for your family is to do your job which resolved the conflict); 3. “You can be
what you resolve to be” (a Stonewall Jackson quote); and 4. Always do the “hard right” instead
of the “easy wrong.”
Anderson believes his military service expanded his life. He has no regrets, even during tough
times. The toughest part was losing a soldier. “You never forget them…ever”.
“I really have a big concern for returning vets. These constant conflicts are taking a tremendous
toll, both physically and mentally. I attended a funeral yesterday for a retired Colonel, 47 years
old, who committed suicide. I believe he felt bad about soldiers he lost in Iraq, maybe
exacerbated by retiring…with no or limited coping measures. I would like to see more respect
for the military as an institution and for the individuals.” The price is extremely high.
Helen Buckelew was raised in a military family. “It was part of who I am”. President Kennedy’s
speech about “don’t ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your
country” made a HUGE impact on Buckelew. She loved nursing and loved the surprise on her
Dad’s face when she pinned on her nursing insignia.
“I was brought up to do my best. I cannot understand doing a job halfway”, Buckelew stated. It
was a little surreal being not for the war but wanting to help take care of the troops. “I learned to
follow my heart and do what was right” The rest simply had to sort itself out.
She recalls seeing the courage; the grit of the injured; and. the tenderness from healthier patients
as they attempted to help care for others. “I never experienced that in any hospital again.”
Buckelew says she learned to listen to herself; to make decisions; and, to commit to a course of
action. Some structure lends itself to excellence. “Most people, given the responsibility and
sufficient positive guidance, will perform miracles. The reverse is equally valid.”
Coming home
These are just a few of Big Canoe’s veterans. These three wars marked a changing attitude
toward returning veterans. World War II vets were warmly greeted as heroes. Those returning
from Korea were disappointed by their country’s reception. For Vietnam vets, the reception grew
less friendly with protests marking the lack of support for this war.
No matter what the reaction at home, common themes emerge: The military teaches selfreliance, a respect for order, accountability and an understanding of your place in the world. It
would benefit the country if high school graduates do some sort of mandatory service. And the
GI Bill is possibly the best piece of legislation ever written.
Those interviewed would not change the time spent in service, taking the hard times with the
good. They learned taking risks reaps rewards. They learned duty and honoring country. They
learned the value of teamwork and respecting values. They saw, first hand, why protecting the
Nation is important.
And they learned, as Darryl Andersen said, “Do a good job. Do everything the best you can.
Everything else will fall in place.”